Advisor Role Description

What does it mean to be an Advisor?

ISMMS Alumni advisors are professionals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and resources with current Students. Volunteering as an Alumni Advisor is a great way to stay connected with the ISMMS community and an opportunity to make an impact on ISSMS Alumni and Students. 

Benefits and Rewards

  • Share your professional experiences and insights 
  • Expand your own professional network 
  • Discover talent that you could bring into your company or organization 
  • Receive recognition and appreciation from your Advisee 
  • Refine interpersonal and leadership skills 
  • Discover fresh perspectives from your Advisee 
  • Shape and influence future talent 
  • Solidify your own understanding of your industry by teaching your Advisee. As the old saying goes, “You don’t really understand a subject until you try to teach it.” 
  • Feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction from contributing to the success of future and current ISMMS Alumni 
  • Connect with the ISMMS community

Do’s

  • Be available for meetings at reasonable intervals (about 3-4 times per semester). 
  • Value your Advisee’s time and fulfill your established time commitment. 
  • Reply to emails and phone calls from your Advisees within two business days. 
  • Establish clear expectations regarding meetings with your Advisee. 
  • Encourage your Advisees to set goals for the advising experience, to prepare questions, and to take initiative in your sessions together. 
  • Communicate respectfully and responsibly with your Advisee. 
  • Evaluate your Student, the program, and the experience at the conclusion of the advisorship program. 
  • Contact the program administrator if you have any questions or concerns regarding your advising relationship or the program overall.

Don’ts

  • DON’T expect to have instant rapport with your Advisee. It may take time to develop a relationship, so be patient. 

  • DON’T violate confidence. Discussions should stay between you and your Advisee. Preserving an environment of confidentiality and trust should be your top priority. 
  • DON’T tell your Advisee what to do. Instead, make suggestions, share ideas and give encouragement. 
  • DON’T be afraid to admit that you do not know the answer or that you have made a mistake. Find the correct answer and learn together. It helps your Advisee to see that you are learning too. 
  • DON’T forget your own adolescence or young professional life. What do you wish a more experienced professional had said to you or done for you? Try to remind yourself what it was like when you first graduated or what it was like for you when you were a young professional – putting yourself in your Advisee’s shoes will help you connect with your Advisee and see things from their perspective.